COVID-19 ARRANGEMENTS
With care and with social distancing in place, we have resumed services. Please regularly check the calendar for service times and check back here often for updates.
Our churches reopened at the beginning of July with certain conditions in place. These conditions are dependent on Covid-19 pandemic remaining under control hence are subject to change.
Thank you to those who notified me to say they would be in church on any given Sunday. This helped us prepare. We now have a good code of practice in place, so letting me know of your attendance in advance, is no longer essential. The wearing of face coverings is encouraged and advisable for the foreseeable future.
Do keep checking the website, group e-mails and texts. (We only contact those we have permission to contact due to GDPR but if you know someone who should be on our list, particularly at this time, then seek their consent, and get them to contact me or Diana Dungan/Hon.Sec).
Take care and God Bless.
Dean Paul & Canon George
PASTORAL & COMMUNITY CARE
We need to be creative in how we keep in touch with those who are unwell, alone or vulnerable.
The clergy can be telephoned at 058-54105 (The Dean) and at 051-399699 (Canon Cliffe) and appropriate care will be arranged.
The following statement has been issued by the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland Primates of All Ireland, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland:
At this time, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland, the governments have not formally made mandatory the wearing of face coverings at services of worship. This is, in part, is due to the fact that as churches we are committed to maintaining 2 metre physical distancing between household groups and strict adherence to all government guidance on hand hygiene, cleaning, ventilation etc.
It, however, remains our responsibility to ensure that our services of worship are safe places for all who join with us. It has become increasingly clear that the wearing of face coverings, in conjunction with hand washing etc., is likely to reduce the spread of coronavirus, thus helping to protect others. Their use is therefore one way in which we can evidence protection for the most vulnerable, support for our health workers, and practical love for our neighbours.
Following further recent consultations with public health authorities, we join with Christian church leaders all over this island in formally recommending and encouraging the use of face coverings at all services of worship, along with the ongoing maintenance of 2 metre physical distancing, from Sunday 30th August 2020, and earlier if practicable.
We understand that some people are exempted from the wearing of face coverings, as outlined in the two jurisdictions.
We also recognise that whilst it may not be appropriate for those who are leading from the front during worship, including preaching, to wear face coverings, they should at all times continue to maintain at least 2 metre physical distancing from one another, and 4 metre physical distancing from the front row of the congregation.
The Most Revd Eamon Martin
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland
The Most Revd John McDowell
Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland
The Rt Revd Dr David Bruce
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
The Revd Dr Tom McKnight
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland